FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Chief of Police Marc Schneider
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of Drone Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the receipt of a donation of drone equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council to enhance the safety operation capabilities of the Santa Maria Police Department in high-risk exterior operations, area searches, and crime scene and traffic collision diagramming.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the donation of a drone to the Santa Maria Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Council.
BACKGROUND:
The Santa Maria Police Council (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non -profit corporation with the mission to serve and support the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) by way of purchasing safety materials, equipment, and supplies for the men and women of the department over and above what the City’s operating budget has allocated. Since the SMPC’s formation in August 2007, they have donated many items of equipment and supplies to the SMPD.
Government Code Section 37354 provides that the City Council may accept any gift, bequest, or devise made to or for the City, or to or for any of its offices in their official capacity, or in trust for any public purpose. City Administration Memo CAM 2017-01 sets forth procedures for reviewing, accepting, and acknowledg ing gifts and/or donations offered to the City in order to: 1) establish compliance with the law in a consistent manner regardless of the source of the donation; 2) establish uniform procedures for the receipt of donations to the City; 3) cultivate an environment where residents and businesses want to contribute to the City’s programs and facilities; 4) promptly acknowledge and express appreciation for donations; and 5) assure donations are properly inventoried and accounted for.
2 DISCUSSION:
This drone equipment donation will significantly benefit the department. It is an overwatch drone which has capabilities that will greatly enhance the safety of operations, including high-risk exterior SWAT operations, area searches, and crime scene and traffic coll ision diagramming. The addition of this new drone will give the department two drones of this type, allowing for one to replace the other when batteries need to be replaced, without a gap in overwatch capabilities. Having the ability to swap batteries between two drones of the same type will allow coverage to continue, uninterrupted throughout the duration of lengthy operations. Ultimately, this equipment will enhance safety by allowing officers to maintain distance, thus reducing their exposure to dangerous situations.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund associated with this donation. Should any damage occur outside of warranty, there could be minor expenses to repair, however, they would be absorbed within the department’s existing budget. The total cost of th e drone equipment is estimated at $29,902 and will be paid in full by the SMPC. In accordance with the City’s Gift and/or Donation Policy, offers of donations valued at more than $25,000 must be accepted by the City Council.
Impact to the Community
This donation validates the important contribution that the City of Santa Maria Police Department makes to the community as recognized by the Santa Maria Police Council.
This generous donation to the Police Department will greatly assist staff in providing and maintaining a high level of service to the community.